Grow Waynesboro

05/07/2026

As we continue to explore what Economic Development Week looks like in Waynesboro, our focus is turning potential into prosperity.

In Downtown Waynesboro, that work shows up in real, visible ways. Through façade and landscaping grants, small business loans, and programs like Grow Waynesboro Wayne + Main, the City of Waynesboro is investing in the people and places that bring downtown to life.

Those investments help entrepreneurs open doors, existing businesses grow, and historic buildings find a new purpose.

These efforts are shaping a downtown residents are proud to call their own and visitors are increasingly making a point to visit. That’s how potential turns into prosperity in Waynesboro.

05/06/2026

It's Economic Development Week and we're getting into what Economic Development means for Waynesboro!

Creating conditions for opportunity is at the core of Economic Development in Waynesboro.

One of the ways Greg and Stephanie have done that is through Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway. This program is designed to lower barriers for entrepreneurs and make it easier to turn an idea into a real, operating business.

Over seven weeks, participants received hands-on support in business planning, financials, permitting and licensing, and identifying available spaces, giving them the tools and confidence to move forward.

The program culminates in Pitch Night, where participants compete for funding to bring their concepts to life.

Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway is just one way Waynesboro's Economic Development office creates conditions where new ideas can take shape, grow, and become real businesses.

05/04/2026

It’s Economic Development Week, and we’re kicking things off by introducing the people behind the work.

Meet Greg Hitchin, Director of Economic Development & Tourism, and Stephanie Duffy, Assistant Director. Together, they lead Waynesboro’s efforts to support business growth, attract new investment, and strengthen the local economy.

This week, along with the Virginia Economic Developers Association, we’re diving into what economic development really means in Waynesboro: creating conditions for opportunity, turning potential into prosperity, building strong community investment, and putting vision into action.

Stay tuned to see what Economic Development means in Waynesboro!

04/29/2026

What a night! We awarded $65,000 in grant funds to five businesses last night at the Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway Pitch Night at The Foundry at Basic City Beer Co! Meet the Waynesboro's newest businesses that will be opening or expanding by fall of this year:

🌱Shenandoah Bouldering: Shenandoah Valley Bouldering is a startup indoor rock climbing and fitness facility which will be located in the historic Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace. Guests of all ages will enjoy climbing on professionally designed and built bouldering walls and have access to a separate fitness area, outfitted with traditional exercise equipment.

🌱Valley Alley: Valley Alley will offer a unique retro bowling experience with modern conveniences, featuring 15 lanes of full-sized 10-pin bowling, an arcade with vintage classics, and a streamlined food and beverage program highlighting local beer and updated takes on classic favorites. Valley Alley will be located at Willow Oak Plaza, just a short walk from Waynesboro’s historic downtown.

🌱Passerine Market: Passerine Market will be a specialty food market and wine bar offering charcuterie, gourmet cheeses, local produce, and Lightwell Survey wines. Passerine Market has plans to be located in Downtown Waynesboro.

🌱Waynesboro Inspiration Station: Waynesboro Inspiration Station will be an expansion of Crozet Inspiration Station, a hands-on creative studio and children’s boutique with a mission to create, connect, and inspire creativity in every child. They will offer drop-in art experiences, memberships, camps, and a one-of-a-kind specialty toy shop. They plan to open their second location in the historic Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace.

🌱Trellis Art Collective: Trellis Art Collective is an artist-led creative and commercial space located in the Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace. Trellis was founded in 2026 in response to the need for accessible, affordable spaces where Shenandoah Valley artists can connect and make work outside of the home. They plan to offer classes, a small gallery and retail shop, and art subscription mail club.

Thanks to our sponsors: First Bank and Trust Company, Atlantic Union Bank, GloFiber/Shentel, and the Community Business Launch Grant

04/28/2026

Tonight is the night! Register for Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway Pitch Night and see Waynesboro's newest entrepreneurs compete for up to $25,000 in grant funds to start or grow their business!

6:00 pm at The Foundry at Basic City Beer Co!

This event is free, but we do ask that you register!

Judges will award $60,000 in grant funding to winning entrepreneurs making their home in Waynesboro's Rockfish Gateway this year.

04/25/2026

After a free seven-week business program, eight entrepreneurs have been chosen to compete in Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway Pitch Night! Join us at The Foundry at Basic City Beer Co Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 pm to see the following eight finalists pitch for grant funds to help start their new businesses!

🌱Valley Alley (yes, Waynesboro!! That's exactly what you think it is🎳)
🌱Shenandoah Bouldering
🌱Waynesboro Inspiration Station
🌱Trellis Art Collective
🌱Valley Shuttle Services
🌱Sol Flo Collective
🌱Passerine Market
🌱Blue Ridge Roller Garden

This event is free but we do ask that you register!

04/21/2026

After a free seven-week business program, eight entrepreneurs have been chosen to compete in Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway Pitch Night! Join us at The Foundry at Basic City Beer Co Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 pm to see the following eight finalists pitch for grant funds to help start their new businesses!

🌱Valley Alley (yes, Waynesboro!! That's exactly what you think it is🎳)
🌱Shenandoah Bouldering
🌱Waynesboro Inspiration Station
🌱Trellis Art Collective
🌱Valley Shuttle Services
🌱Sol Flo Collective
🌱Passerine Market
🌱Blue Ridge Roller Garden

This event is free but we do ask that you register!

Judges will award $60,000 in grant funding to winning entrepreneurs making their home in Waynesboro's Rockfish Gateway this year.

04/07/2026

Saddle-Stitch Consulting will be in our office tomorrow from 12-4:00 pm offering free help figuring out how to make AI work safely for the outcomes you're driving toward!

No April Fools pranks here. We're all business at Grow Waynesboro😉

The April lineup for Grow Waynesboro Wednesdays is here, offering free, expert business support every week. Join us Wednesdays from 12-4pm at the Economic Development office, no appointment necessary!
April 1: Shasta Weeks with the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
April 8: Special service provider, Jill Heinze. Jill is the founder and senior AI strategy advisor for Saddle-Stitch Consulting. She can help you cut through the AI noise and zoom in on the AI skills that maker the most sense for you business.
April 15: Diane McCarthy with Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center
April 22: Ross Gulotta with SCORE Mentors
April 20: Meghan Murphy with Destination Downtown Waynesboro

Questions? Email [email protected]!

04/01/2026

No April Fools pranks here. We're all business at Grow Waynesboro😉

The April lineup for Grow Waynesboro Wednesdays is here, offering free, expert business support every week. Join us Wednesdays from 12-4pm at the Economic Development office, no appointment necessary!
April 1: Shasta Weeks with the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
April 8: Special service provider, Jill Heinze. Jill is the founder and senior AI strategy advisor for Saddle-Stitch Consulting. She can help you cut through the AI noise and zoom in on the AI skills that maker the most sense for you business.
April 15: Diane McCarthy with Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center
April 22: Ross Gulotta with SCORE Mentors
April 20: Meghan Murphy with Destination Downtown Waynesboro

Questions? Email [email protected]!